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      ‘I’m not a robot’ – Cole Palmer’s mum tells him to be ‘more smiley’ but Chelsea star is ‘laid back’ like his dad

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      COLE Palmer admits his mum wants him to cheer up and show more emotion.But the Chelsea and England star says it takes something like a disaster on PlayStation for him to lose his famous cool – and even then only behind closed doors.Cole Palmer’s mother has told him to ‘smile more’Credit: RexPalmer reckons he is laid back like his dadCredit: X @beINSPORTS_ENPalmer, who is preparing for England’s World Cup qualifier against Andorra, said: “My mum says to try and be a bit more involved and a bit more smiley and energetic and that.“Me and my dad are just too laid back, I think.“My dad says: ‘He’s just like me, so just leave him alone.’“When did I last get angry? I don’t know, maybe when I played PlayStation or something.READ MORE ON CHELSEA“I’m not just a robot like you think I am and don’t show no emotion.“When there’s no cameras and I’m on the phone to my mates and I’m doing stuff I enjoy doing…“Off the pitch I’m like this but then on the pitch…it’s like a switch.“I’m just being myself.”Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgePalmer is so chilled that he can fall asleep at an F1 race.England boss Thomas Tuchel took the squad to the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday and the Chelsea playmaker revealed: “It was good. ‘To do what-‘ – Cole Palmer left confused as he’s asked to name his Premier League Mount Rushmore“I went to the one in Abu Dhabi not long ago. But I fell asleep at that one. I don’t know what it was.“This one, I was awake.”Palmer’s “Cold” celebration and style of play make him an idol to young fans, regardless of which team they support.The Chelsea playmaker said: “When you see kids and that doing what they’re doing and saying that, it’s nice.”Palmer is typically calm about his growing celebrity.But the born and bred Mancunian Palmer, who left Manchester City for the Blues in 2023, still finds living down south a challenge.Palmer previously commented on southerners being grumpy and said: “They’re all still moody. They’re all still like that.Read More on The Sun“I think because it’s so busy, they’re all stressed and that. It must be a southern thing.“I don’t live central. Sometimes I go into central London, but I couldn’t live there.”Palmer joined his England teammates at the Spanish Grand Prix at the weekendCredit: GettyThe midfielder is preparing for England’s World Cup qualifier against Andorra on SaturdayCredit: Getty More

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      Tottenham squad set to be boosted by return of league winner who hasn’t played for club in nearly TWO YEARS

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      MANOR SOLOMON is set to be given a second chance at Tottenham.The Israeli winger, 25, has become a forgotten man in N17 after spending the season on loan at Leeds.Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou is set to welcome back Manor SolomonCredit: GettySolomon spent last season with Leeds on loan and experienced immense successCredit: ReutersSolomon hasn’t played for Tottenham since September 2023Credit: GettyBut he proved to be a huge hit at Elland Road, netting ten goals in 41 appearances as he helped the Whites to promotion back to the Premier League.Leeds are keen to sign him permanently, while there are believed to be other suitors in the Premier League interested in Solomon’s services.But SunSport understands the North Londoners are minded to bring him back into the first-team fold over pre-season with the ambition of keeping him next season.That is despite all the uncertainty around the managerial position at Tottenham.Read More on FootballFormer Fulham loanee Solomon joined Tottenham on a free transfer in 2023.That is after he left Shakhtar Donetsk following Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine the year before.His first campaign was blighted by a hamstring injury, limiting him to just six Spurs appearances.Solomon’s last game for Tottenham was back in September 30, 2023.Most read in FootballNow everyone at Spurs are currently waiting with baited breath over whether Daniel Levy will back or sack boss Ange Postecoglou.It is understood the latter is more likely, despite the Aussie delivering Spurs their first trophy in 17 years with last month’s Europa League triumph.Ange Postecoglou drops huge hint over Tottenham future with incredible mic-drop moment at Europa League paradeThomas Frank and Marco Silva, of West London rivals Brentford and Fulham respectively, are among the candidates to succeed Postecoglou if he is sacked. More

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      Cost of sacking Ange Postecoglou revealed with Tottenham forced to pay out millions on top of £2m Europa League bonus

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      THE cost for Tottenham to sack Ange Postecoglou has been revealed.The Aussie boss made good on his promise that he “always wins things” in his second season by lifting the Europa League trophy to end the club’s 17-year trophy drought.The cost of sacking Ange Postecoglou has been revealedCredit: AlamyDaniel Levy will reportedly need to fork out around £4m to give Big Ange the bootCredit: PAThat is on top of the £2m bonus Postecoglou earned for winning the Europa LeagueCredit: GettyHowever, a 17th-placed finish in the Premier League backed up by 22 defeats – the most ever by a team not to be relegated – means Postecoglou is in a perilous position over his job.Should chairman Daniel Levy opt to give Big Ange the boot, the decision will see the 59-year-old manager take home a compensation package worth around £4million.And according to The Telegraph, that is ON TOP of the £2m bonus Postecoglou collected for winning the Europa League and getting the north London club into the Champions League next season.Postecoglou has two years remaining on his Spurs contract, with the terms of his exit being decided before he signed his contract to take him to the capital from Celtic.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe report adds that the manager has now returned from holiday and should be receiving clarity over his position in the near future.He appeared to hint he wanted to stay at Tottenham’s trophy parade after he declared: “All the best TV series, season three is better than season two.”However, that decision will come down to Levy.While sacking Postecoglou will take around £4m on its own, the total cost of then appointing a replacement could see Spurs splash out roughly £10m.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBrentford’s Thomas Frank is understood to be among the leading candidates for the position, along with Fulham boss Marco Silva.While there is the headache over the future of the first-team coach, behind the scenes the club are also going through a major shake-up.Postecoglou unrecognisable in amazing throwback video as first club share emotional 3-minute tribute after Europa LeagueLevy, 63, has lost his right-hand woman in executive director Donna Cullen, who has left after 20 years of service.Elsewhere, Ryan Mason has also left the club to further his managerial career by taking up the vacant position at Championship side West Brom.They are set to be the first two of many departures this summer, which may include Postecoglou.The shake-up also includes the appointment of Vinai Venkatesham as CEO, who previously served bitter rivals Arsenal in the same role.Sources add these moves could be the prelude to majority owners Enic pumping fresh funds into the club.Tottenham ratings: Bissouma dominates Europa League final as occasion gets to UdogieBRENNAN JOHNSON was Tottenham’s hero as they finally ended their 17-year trophy drought in the Europa League final.Despite being without James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski for the clash in Bilbao, Spurs came up with a massive win against Manchester United.Johnson scored the goal as he helped bundle in from a corner in a tussle with Luke Shaw to send fans into dreamland.But Spurs also owe a huge thanks to Yves Bissouma who was totally dominant in midfield.At the other end, Destiny Udogie struggled to get up to the pace of the match as he was up against Manchester United’s Amad Diallo.Spurs had just three shots, only 27 per cent of the ball, and completed a mere 115 passes over 90 minutes.But it didn’t matter, as United never really looked like finding a leveller to take it to extra time.SunSport’s Henry Tomlinson gave his ratings for the Tottenham players… More

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      Supercomputer predicts new Championship season with Wrexham fairytale continuing and ex-Premier League trio relegated

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      WREXHAM are in line for a fourth-straight Hollywood season, according to a new Championship supercomputer. But it’s bad news for former Premier League side Watford, who are pipped for relegation to League One for the first time in 48 YEARS.A supercomputer has tipped Wrexham to make the Championship play-offsCredit: RexWatford are predicted to suffer relegation from the ChampionshipCredit: RexTyler Dibling has been predicted to win theChampionship with SouthamptonBoffins at AceOdds booted up their intelligent PC, which simulates every single fixture 10,00 times for the most accurate score.It estimates the outcome of games based on a team’s current strength (based on factors such as league position and form) and betting market odds.And the results are astounding, with Wrexham, who became the first team to earn back-to-back-to-back promotions up the pyramid, have the chance to play for Premier League football.The Red Dragons, once suffering a record 15-straight seasons in the National League before Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney saved the day, are predicted to finish inside the play-off spots next season.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSLinked with a host of big names, including Jamie Vardy and Ben Davies, Wrexham’s top-flight dreams remain alive – if they edge out Bristol City to sixth-place on goal difference. Meanwhile, the clever AI algorithm reckons Southampton will go straight back up by winning the Championship.The Saints, who hired former Lens boss Will Still after relegation this season, are set to face a dramatic title race with Sheffield United, who will finally earn automatic promotion at the second time of asking.Fellow relegated sides Ipswich, Leicester and Frank Lampard’s Coventry City are predicted to join Wrexham in making the play-offs.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTom Brady-backed Birmingham City, who recorded the most-ever EFL points last season (108), will also register an admirable top-half finish. On 65 points, the Blues are set to finish ahead of neighbours West Brom and other established names such as Stoke City and Middlesbrough.’He’s got the fastest hands’ – Wrexham star James McClean tipped to beat up Jake Paul in boxing fightMeanwhile, Championship newboys Charlton Athletic are expected to avoid a return to League One, finishing six points above the drop.In terms of the relegation places, Derby County and Hull City join Watford in the dreaded drop to the third-tier.Watford last played in League One (then known as the Football League Third Division) during the 1977-78 season.Derby finished 19th last year, while Hull are pipped to finish rock-bottom after just about saving themselves on the final day this season, after Luton lost to West Brom.While the supercomputer thinks the likes of Preston, QPR, Boro and Oxford United will narrowly survive.And Norwich, Millwall, Blackburn, Sheffield Wednesday and Swansea will finish a respectable mid-table.Wrexham star James McClean could return to the glittering heights of Premier League football after playing with West Brom and Sunderland a decade agoCredit: RexOmari Hutchinson helped Ipswich earn promotion to the Prem in 2023/2024, before being relegated this seasonCredit: Getty More

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      Baller League – Legends vs Creators line-ups: Who is playing in huge match on finals night?

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      THE champions of Baller League will be officially crowned next THURSDAY!Just four teams remain from the 12 that started on Matchday 1 back in March.The Baller League has had a terrific debut year in the UKCredit: GettyMicah Richards’ Deportrio topped the standings during the regular seasonCredit: GettyMaya Jama and Alisha Lehmann’s MVP United will feature in the final fourCredit: GettyDeportrio, led by Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, topped the standings on goal difference after 11 rounds of action-packed fixtures.Alisha Lehmann and Maya Jama’s MVP United narrowly missed out on top spot by one goal, but they have secured their place in the final four.Yanited and SDS FC complete the sides competing for Baller League glory next Thursday night – and fans are treated to even more thrilling action at the O2.Organisers have confirmed a Legends vs Creators match has been booked in with some blockbuster names taking part.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBaller League – Legends vs Creators line-upsBaller League have revealed their plans for final four night at the O2 Arena – and there are some intriguing inclusions.The two semi-finals are expected to kick off the action, and they will be followed by a Legends vs Creators match.Five huge names have already been confirmed for the clash.The legends team will include former Premier League champion Mario Balotelli, Jay-Jay Okocha and Ravel Morrison.Most read in FootballWhile the Creators team features internet sensations KSI and Chunkz.Many more big names for the one-off special will be revealed in the lead-up to final four night.A surprise event is also planned at the O2 Arenal before the first Baller League UK final gets underway.Baller League Final Four fixturesAs they finished top of the standings, Deportrio will face the lowest-ranked side in the Final Four, which is SDS FC.The team that is victorious will face the winner of MVPs United vs Yanited in a huge final.Semi-final 1: Deportrio vs SDS FCSemi-final 2: MVPs United vs YanitedFinal: SF1 winner vs SF2 winner More

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      Ex-Arsenal starlet jailed over ‘significant role’ in plot to smuggle £600k of cannabis into UK from Thailand

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      A FORMER Arsenal starlet has been jailed over a plot to smuggle £600,000 worth of drugs in the UK.Jay Emmanuel-Thomas was arrested after border officials seized two suitcases containing cannabis at Stansted Airport.Ex-Arsenal star Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has been jailedCredit: GettyHe was involved in a plot to smuggle £600k of cannabis into the UKCredit: UnpixsEmmanuel-Thomas pleaded guilty to his roleCredit: PAThe drugs, which weighed around 60kg, had arrived via flight from Bangkok in Thailand.It is believed he may have been the intermediary between drug pushers in the UK and suppliers in Thailand and was described as having a “significant role”.Emmanuel-Thomas, 34, has now been jailed for four years after he pleaded guilty to fraudulent evasion of the prohibition on the importation of cannabis.Judge Alexander Mills told him he had a “substantial fall from grace”.Read more newsHe added: “It is through your own actions you will no longer be known as a professional footballer.””You will be known as a criminal. A professional footballer who threw it all away.”Chelmsford Crown Court heard the drugs were brought into the UK by Emmanuel-Thomas’ girlfriend Yasmin Piotrowska.She had flown business class to Stanstead Airport with Rosie Rowland to carry put the plot on September 2.Most read in FootballEmmanuel-Thomas was linked to the discovery by numerous WhatsApp messages, voice notes and pictures.The court was told it was “apparent” he had recruited the women, who were cleared after prosecutors offered no evidence in their case.He used his influenced as a professional footballer to sway the two women – offering them £2,500 plus a free holiday to Thailand.After Piotrowska was stopped by border officials, Emmanuel-Thomas messaged Rowland to tell her to “delete everything from our chat if you can”.The footballer then travelled to Stratford, East London, on September 5 and replaced his mobile.He was sacked by Scottish club Greenock Morton following his arrest last year.Emmanuel-Thomas is a former England under-17 and under-19 international.He began his career at Arsenal before playing for various clubs – including Ipswich Town, Bristol City, QPR, Livingston and Aberdeen.The striker signed a six-month contract with Greenock Morton in July.David Philips, NCA senior investigating officer, said: “Organised crime groups make significant profits by trafficking and selling perceived high-quality cannabis legally grown in the US, Canada and Thailand illegally in the UK.”Organised criminals like Emmanuel-Thomas can be very persuasive and offer payment to couriers. But the risk of getting caught is very high and it simply isn’t worth it.”Emmanuel-Thomas is the latest Brit to be caught smuggling drugs.The Sun revealed how Cameron Bradford, 21, is being detained in Germany for allegedly hiding cannabis in her bags on a flight from Thailand.A British OnlyFans model was also caught allegedly smuggling nearly £200,000 worth of Thai cannabis into Spain.Read More on The SunElsewhere, Brit Bella May Culley, 18, sparked a massive international search operation in early May after she was reported missing while holidaying in Thailand.However, it was later revealed that the teen, from Billingham, County Durham, had been arrested 4,000 miles away on drug offences in Georgia.The footballer was arrested last SeptemberCredit: InstagramNCA officers found the drugs in two suitcasesCredit: UnpixsEmmanuel-Thomas previously played for AberdeenCredit: PA More

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      World Cup stadium looks totally unrecognisable with cranes on pitch and seats ripped out

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      THE iconic Estadio Banorte looks unrecognisable as work on it’s epic World Cup revamp continues.Mexico’s national stadium – where Diego Maradona scored his Hand of God goal against England in 1986 – will host the opening game of the 2026 World Cup.The iconic Estadio Banorte looks unrecognisableCredit: AFPAll near-81,000 seats have been ripped out of the arenaCredit: AFPThe ground is undergoing an £80million renovation before the 2026 World CupCredit: AFPThe previously named the Estadio Azteca is undergoing changes in order to be fully modernised for next summer’s tournament. The venue for the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals, the stadium will become the first to host three World Cups when it puts on the 2026 competition, which will be played across Mexico, the United States and Canada.With a record 48 teams, a whopping 16 venues, three countries and 16 cities are needed for the next World Cup.The stadium was renamed the Estadio Banorte as part of an £80million sponsorship deal in March.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSOwner group Ollamani received an £80million loan from Banorte, a major Mexican bank that will be repaid over 12 years.One of the development project’s main goals is to maintain the historic identity of the ground, as capacity jumps from 81,000 to 90,000.New pictures show the turf completely torn up , with several cranes and trucks working to relay the dirt and mend the stands.The iconic exterior columns will be refurbished and enhanced with special lighting to highlight the architecture during night matches.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut the biggest changes are happening inside the walls, with the stands currently grey after almost every seat was ripped up.The previous VIP area has been completely demolished and rebuilt, while new stands will tower over the old ones.Birmingham give update on new £3billion stadium as they announce major developmentThe stadium closed in 2024 to begin remodelling workCredit: AFPThe Banorte Stadium (formerly known as Azteca) is hoping to open up in early 2026Credit: AFPThe changes will also see new locker rooms, referee zones, hospitality suites, a press room, and other facilities designed to meet Fifa’s highest standards.Strict Fifa sponsorship rules, however, dictates that the stadium will still be referred to as Estadio Azteca throughout next year’s World Cup.Closed since 2024 due to remodeling work, the Estadio Banorte is expected to finish construction later this year or in early 2026.The name change will mark the second in the stadium’s 58-year existence after briefly being called Estadio Guillermo Canedo in 1997.It will be the biggest stadium used for the 2026 World Cup and is scheduled to host two of Mexico’s three group matches, including the tournament’s opening game on June 11 next year.Despite the stadium’s prestige, only five of the tournament’s 104 matches will take place in Mexico City.Mexican side Club America usually play their home games there.It will be the biggest stadium used for the 2026 World Cup, and the first to host three World CupsDiego Maradona’s Hand of God goal took place at Mexico City’s iconic stadiumPele won the 1970 World Cup at the Estadio Azteca More

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      Arsenal ‘add Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers to transfer wishlist’ as Mikel Arteta plots attacking reshuffle

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      MORGAN ROGERS has emerged as a summer transfer target for Arsenal.The Gunners are desperate to add more firepower after mustering 69 Premier League goals last season.Morgan Rogers is being eyed by ArsenalCredit: GettyMikel Arteta’s men were 22 goals shy of their tally for the 2023/24 campaign.And Arsenal are ready to spend big to bring proven goal threats to the club. Rogers made 19 goal contributions across 37 Prem games for Villa last season.The 22-year-old proved to be hugely impressive in his full top-flight season.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAccording to The Times, Arsenal would have to offer a “significant fee” to prize Rogers away from Villa Park. He only joined the club in 2023 for £15million from Middlesbrough.Rogers extended his contract at Villa until 2030 last November. But missing out on the Champions League could see players moved away from Villa Park this summer.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKVilla are at serious risk from PSR rules, according to research undertaken by The Athletic.The club have lost £206.2m in the past two seasons, the highest deficit in the Premier League in that time.Champions League places CONFIRMED after Aston Villa VAR controversy as Newcastle have to be saved by Man UtdResearch from the outlet suggests project Villa can only lose £15m in 2024-25 and remain in line with Prem rules.As a result, they may be forced to listen to offers for a number of stars this summer. Arsenal have been targeting a move for Nico Williams this summer. The Athletic Bilbao winger has vast experience in LaLiga and 26 caps for Spain at the age of just 22.But his wage demands are proving too high for Emirates chiefs.Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesIgor Paixao is being eyed as a potential bargain buyCredit: GettySporting director Andrea Berta is reportedly lining up cheaper alternatives if a move for Williams proves too costly.The club are reportedly keeping tabs on Feyenoord’s Igor Paixao.The Brazilian, 24, is under contract with the Dutch club until the summer of 2029.Read More on The SunHe scored 18 goals and provided 19 assists last year.Marseille are rumoured to be interested in Paixao, with Leeds and clubs in Serie A also said to be eyeing a summer swoop. More